Friday, February 24, 2017

News From Congressman Eliot Engel

Engel Statement on Trump Administration Plan for Mass Deportation

“I am profoundly disappointed with the Trump Administration’s plan to ramp up a mass deportation program. According to a DHS memo, this plan includes thousands of new federal agents for his ‘deportation force,’ new construction of detention centers for suspected immigrants, and an expansion of the so-called 287(g) program to draft local law enforcement to help break up families and deport working people. These actions would unquestionably close communities off from law enforcement, drive immigrants back into the shadows, drain the economy, and needlessly frighten millions of our peaceful neighbors.

“Deporting millions en masse without regard for their family ties, their jobs, or their contributions to society could never be constructive. And no matter what the Administration says, this is indeed what they are planning—to build up a deportation force and attempt a program of mass relocation of 11 million people. I will continue to fight for sensible immigration reform that protects families, bolsters the economy, and keeps our country safe. The Administration’s plan will do none of these things.”

Engel Statement on the Administration Withdrawing Guidelines for Transgender Students

Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a leading member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and member of the House LGBT Caucus, issued the following statement on the Administration’s move to withdraw guidelines for transgender students in schools:

“The Administration has turned its back on the LGBT community by withdrawing Obama era guidelines that support transgender students. Discrimination under the guise of ‘states’ rights’ is nothing new for Republicans, but each time they try it it’s an affront to our sensibilities. The Administration should be working to support transgender students, not shame them. These guidelines were the result of years of careful consideration and legal analysis. Now, the Administration has undone that work on a whim.

“School officials, educators, and activists recognize the threats these young people face every day. They are frequently the victims of bullying and often suffer crippling depression as a result. That is why under President Obama we moved to treat these students with equal respect for their gender identity. Now, by revoking these guidelines, the Administration has effectively turned back the clock on these students, leaving them vulnerable once again.”